more photos from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon

From Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon

Our Pacific coast ride was great as we met many other cyclists doing some of the same route as us. Nick was super kind to get us through Los Angeles without any problems and then we were invited to stay at his home. Also, Mary Dillon joined for 3 days along the ride. We met her in Peru last year.

A bicycle ride through the United State Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, was very nice as we new that our son, Ross, was in the final preparations for his Iraq/Afghanistan deployment.

A few nights of rest at Aunt Maria's and Uncle Maury's was good for our spirits. We even took in a Padres Game with my cousins, Linda and Caesar.

The route to Phoenix was very close to a very busy border with Mexico. The Border Patrol seemed to be working constantly to keep the illegals from entering. The border fence was very close and quite impressive. Sort of like the Great Wall of China.

Seeing my Godmother, Lorraine, was a real treat in Phoenix. We also enjoyed staying with Jacky's cousin, Judi.

Our next stop was the Grand Canyon. Kay and Harry, Denise and Anna Marie joined us for 30 miles of hiking (with packs) into and out of the Canyon, as well as to the Ribbons Waterfall on the Canyon floor. We camped at the bottom for 2 nights. Sore muscles and toes are being mended before we head for New Mexico.

coastal travel

a few photos along the coast

Golden Gate Bridge

After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge with fellow cyclists Snappy and Missy and Buckaroo.

Vancouver to San Fransisco

Making it to Vancouver was a real treat. David and Alice treated us like royalty. Meat and vegetables were only outdone by platters of sushi. A great walk up Grouse Mountain and we were tested for climbing fitness.

Entering in Washington was a real treat because food prices came down drastically. We are now eating fruit and vegetables.

We have cycled the coast of Washington, Oregon and now California. Highway 101 or highway 1.

Camping at the hiker/biker sites has helped us meet many other cyclists doing some of the same things we are doing. The redwood trees of California are unbelievable. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was a another goal achieved.

We Survived the Bears, Now we Have to Survive the Fires

After 9 bear encounters (while bicycling) we thought we were in the clear. What laid around the corner?? Forest Fires! One day there were 700+ forest fires burning. Our planned route soon had closed roads and evacuated towns. The ash in the air gave you headaches and sore throats. We were forced to change our route from Whistler to the Fraser Canyon.

The canyon itself was quite a sight to see. Initially it was a desert with temps of 106 degrees. After 75 miles it changed to a rain forest. We welcomed the cooler temps. After the canyon we met some friends and went to Vancouver to their home. They were bound and determined to spoil us and they did. Alice and Dave made Vancouver very memorable with one last hurrah before we ended our foreign travel.

Mile Post 0 of the Alaskan Highway

We've finally hit Mile Post 0 of the Alaskan Highway in Dawson Creek. We have cycled 1650 miles from Anchorage in 30 days and still have 650 miles before we reach Vancouver! This is a big, vast country! We are ready to hit more populated areas where food and water are more dependable.

The terrain is beautiful but after seeing it day after day for 7-8 hours on the bike (70-90+ miles a day), it is starting to become monotonous. The Canadian Mountains and the heat (which is now reaching 100+ degrees) are challenging. It is definitly toughening us up. All in all we are really enjoying it and loving all the friendly people that we are meeting along the way.

Photos of: sunset in northern BC, Ward catching fish for supper, sign for chains on tires (never a good sign for cyclists) and the Mile Post 0 sign.